Staying at Thornbury Castle, a real castle you can sleep in. Today I’ll report on what the guest rooms look like.
In my previous article, I introduced the overview and charm of Thornbury Castle, a hidden gem in England. This time, to give you a more detailed account of the castle stay experience, I’ll report on my stay in the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite, highlighting an experience that feels like traveling back in time to medieval England.
Check out my previous article here!
Thornbury Castle Guest Room Overview
Thornbury Castle offers a variety of unique rooms, each with slightly different décor and concepts. Each room has its own history and charm, retaining a medieval atmosphere while combining modern comfort. Room types include:
- Deluxe Bedchambers
- Superior Deluxe Bedchambers
- Castle Suites
- Henry VII Suite
- Jane Seymour Suite
- Henry VIII Suite
- Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite
This time, I’ll introduce my stay in the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite, which offers a particularly luxurious experience among these options.
A Journey Up the Stairs Through Time
Climbing the spiral staircase to reach the 4th floor of the tower.
The Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite, proudly named after Henry VIII’s first wife, is the highest-grade room located on the top floor of the castle tower. After checking in at reception, I could barely contain my excitement as I headed to the room.
As it’s an authentic castle, there are of course no elevators!
I climbed the narrow spiral staircase surrounded by stone walls, step by step. Since I needed to climb four floors, I left my large suitcase in the car trunk and only brought the minimal necessities. With each step up the spiral staircase, I felt as if I was traveling back in time to the medieval era. Even while catching my breath, I imagined the royalty of the past climbing up and down these same stairs, feeling the weight of history in a tangible way.
And finally to the top suite room
Stepping Into the Room: Welcome to the Royal Bedchamber
Spacious & luxurious guest room!
When I reached the top floor and opened the heavy wooden door, I was breathless. Spread before me was a magnificently splendid space that looked as if it could have been used by the royal family of the time.
Taking one step into the room, it was no longer a modern hotel room, but a 16th-century royal bedchamber. In the center of the spacious room sits what is said to be the largest bed in England. This enormous 10-foot (approximately 3-meter) wide bed is covered with a luxurious velvet canopy, looking as if it stepped out of a storybook. When I sat on the bed, I couldn’t help but sigh at its softness and luxury.
With some effort, maybe 4 people could sleep side by side? Gigantic bed
Looking out the large window of the room, a breathtaking view spread before me. I felt as if I was looking at a landscape painting with the lush green gardens and distant rolling hills all visible at once. Enjoying this view, I was enveloped in a sense of becoming part of history, wondering if the royals of the past gazed upon this same scenery.
The room has charming windows that make you feel somewhat like a Disney princess
Looking closely around the room, furniture that exudes a medieval atmosphere is arranged, such as chairs and ottomans decorated with beautiful silk and velvet. Large antique paintings adorned the walls, and I thought, “Hello there, Catherine,” but upon closer inspection, it was a portrait of Elizabeth I. An amusing point worth noting is that Catherine of Aragon didn’t actually live in this room, but it beautifully recreates the atmosphere of her era.
Side Note: Did the Kings Actually Live in These Rooms?
By the way, regarding the names of the royal family members attached to each room – did they actually live in those rooms? Apparently not. When I asked the concierge, I learned that except for the Henry VIII Suite, which was actually used by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, the other rooms were simply named after figures closely associated with the castle.
I was also allowed to view the Henry VIII Suite. This is located one floor below the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite.
Other notable residents not represented in room names include Duke Edward Stafford, who built the castle, and the famous Queen Mary who once stayed here. Incidentally, the reason there’s no “Mary Suite” despite her connection is because “Mary’s name is considered unlucky (referring to Bloody Mary),” according to the staff.
Luxurious Bath Time: A Claw-Foot Bathtub Overlooking the Church
Stepping into the bathroom, another surprise awaited me. In the center of the spacious bathroom unit sits a claw-foot bathtub overlooking St Mary’s Church. Soaking in this bathtub while gazing at the view outside the window, I felt as if I had become nobility.
A claw-foot bathtub like the ones often seen in picture books!
It was also impressive that the shower corner and bathtub were completely separated. The bathtub being positioned solely for enjoying a bath might be a luxurious English arrangement. I thoroughly relieved the fatigue of travel while soaking in the warm water.
Thoughtful Amenities
Amenities are all Molton Brown
By the way, another thing that impressed me when using the bathroom was the abundance of amenities. Amazingly, everything from liquid items like shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and toner, to even the sewing kit, was Molton Brown! This made me exclaim “That’s so British!” with delight.
It’s unusual for even wall-mounted dispensers to be Molton Brown
Back in the room, sloe gin was prepared as a welcome drink on a charming antique-style desk. This liqueur, originating in England, is characterized by the sweet and fruity taste of sloe berries, and is a local item rarely encountered outside the country. The thoughtful gesture, perfect for relieving fatigue, made me feel warm inside. I plan to introduce sloe gin in more detail in another article.
I took a sip of the Sloe Gin. It’s so sweet that you’ll want to have another.
Reflecting on the Stay: A Special Experience Where Medieval and Modern Intersect
Don’t miss the sunset from the room!
Staying in the Catherine of Aragon Tower Suite was an experience akin to time travel to medieval England. Surrounded by luxurious furnishings and gazing at the traditional landscape outside the window, I felt as if I had truly become a 16th-century royal. At the same time, the charm of Thornbury Castle lies in its ability to combine modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. It could be described as a “best of both worlds” stay where you can fully enjoy the historical atmosphere while benefiting from modern conveniences.
For those with weak legs, climbing the spiral staircase might be a bit challenging, but considering it as part of the special experience of “staying in a castle,” it becomes rather enjoyable. The luxurious space and spectacular view waiting at the top of the stairs were well worth the effort.
A stay at Thornbury Castle is not just a hotel stay, but a special experience where you can feel history firsthand and taste the life of royalty. I hope you all can enjoy this dreamlike time of staying in a medieval castle as well.
In my next article, I plan to introduce the interior of Thornbury Castle and its exquisite cuisine in detail. Stay tuned!
The darkened guest room is also chic. Look forward to the next article!
Book your stay at Thornbury Castle at the best price here!
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